I WORK at the office that distributes mail to about 30,000 homes in Liverpool 13, 15 and 16.

Yesterday we entered what Royal Mail call a revision. This entails reducing the night sorting staff, making postal rounds longer as well as finishing the 2nd delivery to be replaced with one later one.

We have told the union, as well as Royal Mail, that this can only ruin the service we give our customers for the following reasons, 1. We have nowhere to store mail in the street. We have 6-9 bags of mail kept in the boot of a car or in a shop. We need drop boxes installed (been promised since last revision five years ago). 2. Reducing the night sorting staff means that work has to be done by the day staff, but where does the time come for this? A later start for posting letters is the only way. 3. The delivery span is to be 3.5 hours. No plan has been put in place for the postmen to use a lavatory. 4. Royal Mail are relying on postmen to work late into the afternoon to complete the delivery. If unable to then casual staff (totally untrained from an agency) will finish the round. 5. Mail is regularly delayed now, before any streamlining is put in place. We simply need more staff.

Maybe an independent body can keep an eye on events at this office.

Name & Address withheld

Oh, brother >

HOW much lower can Channel Four sink? I am talking, of course, about this year's Big Brother.

First of all the producers manage to find some of the worst pondlife imaginable to occupy the house, then they contrive to make conditions as difficult as possible.

As if that were not enough they break all their own rules and let two housemates back into the house after a "fake" eviction.

Then, when sure enough it all explodes into violence, they don't scrap the whole thing, hold their hands up and apologise - instead they say they are sending all the housemates to see psychologists and carry on with their antics regardless.

Oh and just to make a bit of extra cash they roll-over evictions for another week.

Now I am not being a hypocrite. I have not watched this programme, but so invasive is it into every other sphere of the media, it is unavoidable.

Surely the government, the police, or some powers-that-be can stop this nonsense before someone really does get hurt. Does no-one have any responsibility for these morons' welfare?

J. Whitehouse, Woolton

Vital lessons >

I FIND it hard to believe that there are mothers in this city, and elsewhere, who have to be fined for not sending their children to school.

It's just another example of how society has forgotten how lucky it is.

A free education for all is a wonderful gift, and one which we now take for granted. A few generations ago it didn't exist.

I passed my exams to go to grammar school but my parents were poor and couldn't afford the uniform, so I couldn't go and that was the end of that. Many other working class children were in the same boat.

Parents these days should remember that rights like this were hard fought for - and that if we don't use them, we lose them.

Mrs V. Baker, Litherland

Hit them hard >

HOW I applaud the decision to fine parents whose children persistently play truant from school ('Truants parents hit by fines', ECHO, June 17).

How else can you get across the message that it is their job to ensure their children receive an education?

The parents who claim they can't make their children go to school, or who allege they are unable to track their children's whereabouts every minute of every day - and thus don't know if they leave school premises - are shirking their duties.

And if it is not their job, whose is it?

These people, quite frankly, must not care about their child's education, but it is vital.

If repeated appeals to ensure their child's attendance have failed, then there is only one thing to do and that's hit them where it hurts - in their pockets.

Surely, if they know they will have to pay a significant penalty, they will make a bit more of an effort.

S. Lawson, Childwall

Tim's big chance >

ON the face of it, it seems a shame that this year's Wimbledon is going to be overshadowed by Euro 2004.

But I reckon this could be a blessing in disguise for one man in land's 's very own Tim Henman. With all the attention on what's going on in Portugal, perhaps the pressure will be off our Tim, and he'll use this to his advantage to win both the semi-final and final!

Mrs P. Marshall, Liverpool 11

Shortpoints >

DO you have a letter for Shortpoints? Why not use the special Shortpoints messageboard by clicking here? Remember to include your name and address.

* I WOULD> just like to say a big thank you to the gallant hero who came to the rescue of my daughter, Laura.

My daughter was using the cash machine, situated at the corner of Hope Street and Oxford Street, on Saturday night, June 12, when a cowardly mugger appeared, snatched the money from her hand and ran off, leaving her badly shaken.

A brave young man gave chase, caught the thief and retrieved the cash. Thank you, whoever you are.

Linda Walsh, Liverpool (via e-mail)

* HOW> much I am enjoying the festivities of Euro 2004. Last weekend a few families in our street got together and threw a street party. It brought our little community together.

The sporting world sees Euro 2004 as a chance for our great footballers to demonstrate their sporting prowess. The man and woman on the street see it as a chance to make new friendships and strengthen old ones.

Susan Frodder, Ormskirk

* WHAT> a shame that Everton FC have stopped fans having their ashes interred at Goodison ('No more fans' ashes to be buried at EFC', ECHO, June 15). I think it was a great idea and I wouldn't have minded spending my own eternity where I have spent so many happy Saturday afternoons.

Maybe if the club moves to a new bigger stadium, extra provision can be made - in time for me!

Ted Dixon, Walton

* I THINK> the giant TV screen planned for Liverpool city centre is a fantastic idea. It will be a brilliant way for city centre workers and shoppers to keep watch on what's happening in the world - and in the forthcoming Olympics. A 21st century idea befitting a 21st century city.

J. Wright, Moreton

* I WAS >pleased to see that Liverpool is taking a lead from Manchester and considering erecting a large TV screen to broadcast live events and news ('Giant TV planned for city', ECHO, June 18).

I have often been shopping in Manchester when something important has been happening and been glad to stop and watch their screen on the Triangle shopping centre, as have many fellow office workers and shoppers.

I was concerned, though, to see that it will cost council tax payers so much. Couldn't it be sponsored somehow?